Sevier MS State Report Card Absolute Performance Index€¦ · learning. —Sevier MS Faculty The Absolute Performance Index is a calculated average ... 2011 Palmetto Silver Award

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S E V I E R M I D D L E S C H O O L S c h o o l I m p r o v e m e n t C o u n c i l A n n u a l R e p o r t M a y , 2 0 1 2

Dear Parents and Supporters:

The School Improvement Council of Sevier Middle

School is proud to report this year’s highlights and

accomplishments. Sevier continues to focus on

exemplary practice, academic literacy, advocacy for the

best in each student, and attention to results. We hope you

enjoy this Falcon’s eye view of our school.

Karen Joseph, SIC Chair

Karen M. Kapp, Principal

A focus on results means that teachers work together

to plan data-driven instruction for successful student

learning. —Sevier MS Faculty

The Absolute Performance Index is a calculated average

of all students’ achievement on PASS Reading &

Research, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

Writing is included at grade 8.

Commitment to Results

Sevier Middle School Mission Statement

We provide a safe, high-quality learning environment where all students become competent, self-reliant,

curious, and creative citizens who pursue personal excellence and contribute meaningfully to their community.

The Falcon —

A fierce fighter with speed and

courage. In swift and graceful flight,

this powerful hunter maneuvers with

ease, grace, and evident enjoyment.

Falcons have keen eyesight — far sharper than

man. This majestic bird is known for its alertness,

regal carriage, and noble tradition.

2011 Palmetto Silver Award — 3 out of 4 years!

State Report Card ratings: Absolute — AVERAGE

Improvement — AVERAGE

2011 NCLB Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP):

Met 20 of 29 Indicators

2012 End of Course (EOC) English I — 98%

Algebra I — 100%

SEVIER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Greenville County Schools

www.greenville.k12.sc.us/sevier

The MAP test measures academic knowledge and marks

progress from fall to spring. Student goals are

personalized, and the school goal is to have at least 50%

of all students meet their Growth Target. 2.662.78

3.052.97

3.083.00

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Sevier MS State Report Card Absolute Performance Index

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)

50.7%48.6%

52.8%

56.6%

50.3%

55.5%53.0% 53.8%

Reading Mathematics

MAP Testing 2009-2012 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12

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Authentic Literacy

Literacy is not just the ability to read and write. Today,

it is the skill to understand and engage in advanced

reading, writing, listening, and speaking. A focus on

authentic literacy means that all content areas

incorporate purposeful reading, discussion, and writing

to defend or support the learning from print material

and classroom conversation.

Upstate Writing Project — English Language

Arts (ELA), Science, and Social Studies

Thematic units: Identity, Navigating Change,

Leadership, and Legacy

Mathematics: real-life scenarios, error analysis,

justified answers

Science: Reflections on inquiry; journal

through scientific process

Social Studies: primary source documents,

multiple source research, and writing in the

voice of historical figures

Close reading with discussion, annotation, note

-making and writing based on evidence

PTA sponsored Author Visit —

Booker T Mattison, author of

Unsigned Hype

Writers Night --“This I

Believe”

Students publish to Tween

Tribune

Literary Magazine, SOARING

Commitment to Academic Excellence

Academic excellence is the primary mission of the teachers and staff at Sevier. Our programs

prepare students for success in high school and beyond. Through a challenging curriculum and

engaging student development activities, our faculty motivates the personal best in each child.

School structures and strategies ensure academic excellence, contribute to student growth, and

provide equal access to high levels of learning.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS is a state-led initiative developed to prepare

students for college and career. The common

standards in K-12 English Language Arts and

Mathematics focus primarily on Math and ELA

standards (including authentic literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and

Technical Subjects). These standards include rigorous content and a focus on the

application of knowledge as a true measure of understanding.

By being aligned with college and career expectations, the standards set the bar for

appropriate knowledge and skills needed to succeed in education and training after

high school. Learn more about the Common Core State Standards and what it takes

for your child to be “college and career ready” at http://www.pta.org/4446.htm

Paper Dreams

Books.

Paper Dreams.

Images that tell stories.

That we draw to

show independence.

They are us.

Something no one can

take away.

A small part of someone’s

soul for the world to see.

Writers describe how THEY

see a person.

Fantasy, Fiction, Realistic.

You can’t take away our im-

agination. Paper dreams.

Books.

— Nola Propst, grade 7

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Awards and Accomplishments

NW Council PTA Reflections: Zoie Poole—2nd place, Literature; Abbey Hudson—1st place, Photography;

Bailey Phillips—2nd place, Visual Art; Abby Potter—1st place, Video ● District I PTA Reflections: Abbey

Hudson — 1st place, photography ● MS Juried Art Competition: Ben Ly — Honorable Mention, Drawing;

Janice Allas — 3rd place, Design/Mixed Media ● Book Bowl: Dalton Acker, Sierra Gailey, Nola Propst,

Donovan Greene, Taylor Johnson ● Greenville Drive Reading Challenge: 244 read 4 books in 4 weeks ●

Symphonia: Aretrina Long, Devin Hadley, Abbey Hudson ● All-County Band: Kaytlin Taylor ● Battle of the

Brains: Dalton Acker, Sierra Gailey, Brandon Gibbs, Ashley Loftis, Dawson Martin, Joey Tate ● Top Media

Center Patron: David Taylor Smith ● Spring Sing: Akeila Blandin, Laura Cabanas, Sierra Gailey, Abigaile

Gravely, Porsalin Irby, Trinh Le, Stephanie Lugosi, Jada Manning, and Juliet Stoddard ● Region

Championships: Girls Basketball Team, Baseball Team ● Tournament play for Volleyball, Girls Basketball,

Baseball, Boys and Girls Soccer ● School Record in Pacer and Mile Run: Sierra Foster ●

Perfect Attendance, 3 years: Akeila Blandin, Landon Buff, Laura Cabanas, Patrick Childers, Lauren Emma,

Ivonne Mendoza, and Karl Piepho ● Straight A’s, 3 years: Madilyn Johansen

Sevier faculty, parents, and community volunteers create

opportunity for students to earn recognition, belong to a

group, exercise choice, earn respect, fulfill their purpose,

and affirm their sense of progress toward personal goals.

Exploration of 16 Career Clusters: Virtual Shadowing;

Engineers Week; Parent-sponsored Job Shadowing; Career

Day; ACT/Explore Testing; Junior Achievement

Academic Competitions: Greenville Drive Reading

Challenge; Book Bowl — 2011 GC Champions; Battle of

the Brains — 2011 “Elite Eight”

Student Activities & Celebrations: Quarterly Incentive;

School Dances; Crazy Sock Day; Field Days; Awards Days

Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH): Wellness

Break; Walk Across America; Awareness re: Go, Slow, & Whoa

foods; Wellness instruction integrated into class instructions

Student Talent and Interests: PTA Reflections; Choral and

Orchestra concerts; All County Band; Symphonia; Spring Sing;

PTA sponsored Talent Show; Middle School Juried Art Show

Athletics: Volleyball; Basketball; Soccer; Softball; Baseball;

Football; Spirit Squad; Dodgeball; Student-

Faculty games; Archery in PE

Leadership Development and Service:

National Junior Honor Society; National

Junior Beta Club; Student Council; Breathe

Better Air Patrol; Falcons Responsible for

the Outdoor Garden (FROG); Recycling

Matters

Commitment to the Needs of

Young Adolescents

Congratulations to our

SC PSAT Junior Scholars!

Lori Blackwell •

Madilyn Johansen •

Johnathan Bradley • Joshua Carson

Antwann McCray • Landon Buff

Peyton Burns • Tyler Cossel

Abstract art opens my heart

My favorite utensils are pastels and pencils

— Chase Hudson, grade 6

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The Sevier Middle School Improvement Council

meets the second Friday on each month, from 1:30 - 2:30.

Currently, we are studying how parents can support

Authentic Literacy. We welcome new members, and all are

invited to participate.

Karen Joseph, Chair • Danielle LaTourette, Parent • Rena

Howard, Counselor • Robyn Gillis, Community

Representative • Jody Webb, Teacher • Dave Gibbs,

Community Representative • Tim Jones, Community

Representative • Helen Schiller, Instructional Coach • Mari-

lyn Murphy, Media Specialist • Vickie Sims, Secretary • Ja-

net Grabowski, Ex-Officio; and Karen Kapp, Principal

Staff Highlights

2011-2012 Teacher of the Year: Anne Lawrence

6 babies and 2 weddings for Sevier Faculty and Staff this year!

National Board Certified Teachers: Ginger Barbare,

Cheryl Cruell, Sarah Evanson, Margie Howard,

Frank Hwu, Anne Lawrence, and Marilyn Murphy

100% Faculty PTA Membership

Staff contributes over $6,500 annually to the United Way

Jessica Webster: Selected by The National Gallery,

Washington, DC to Summer Seminar 2012

PTA Teacher of the Year: Jessica Webster

PTA Staff Member of the Year: Chris Greggs

The Sevier MS PTA provides volunteers and raises

dollars to support student academic incentives, teacher grants

and appreciation, family activities, and technology purchases.

All families are encouraged to join and participate in the

many events provided for our students.

President, Lori Madeline; Vice-President, Kelly Betsill;

Secretary, Ashley Edwards; Treasurer, Tara Whitmire

Community Involvement

Sevier Volunteers and Business partners support

an engaging school experience for our students!

Our students and staff work alongside “weekend

warriors”, business owners, government officials,

military veterans, and professionals with a variety

of expertise. Each brings a unique perspective on

the real world, expanding student understanding of

the lifelong benefit of an excellent education.

CAMP SEVIER —

Our school is built on

the site of Camp Se-

vier, a U.S. Army

training camp built

toward the end of

World War I. Over

100,000 soldiers

trained here before

entering the war in

Europe. Camp Se-

vier’s 30th division,

“Old Hickory”, re-

ceived more honors

than almost any other

division in World

War I.

Sevier Middle School

1000 Piedmont Park Road Greenville, South Carolina 29609

Phone: 864-355-8200, Fax 864-355-8255

Quick Facts 2011-2012

Enrollment: 624; Average Student Attendance 95.4

8th graders taking HS Credit 16%

Average Class Size 27:1

National Board Certified Teachers 7

Library Circulation: 14,399 check-outs, 23 books/student

Top Check-outs: Unsigned Hype,

Hunger Games, Catching Fire

VETERANS DAY — Our annual Veterans Day

celebration, “A Return to Camp Sevier” honors

veterans and active duty military personnel in a vibrant

ceremony. Students interact with veterans in the

classroom and numerous organizations come together

to make this day a hallmark event in our school year.